Quality: Select deep, uniformly-red, tender, young beets.
Instructions:
- Wash and sort according to size. Trim tops, leaving ½-inch of stems and tap root, to prevent bleeding of color during cooking.
- Cook in boiling water until tender-for small beets 25 to 30 minutes; for medium beets 45 to 50 minutes.
- Cool promptly in cold water. Peel, remove stem and tap root Cut into shoestring strips 1/8 inch thick.
- Preheat dehydrator following manufacturer instructions.
- Arrange prepared food on drying trays, leaving small spaces between pieces for good air circulation.
- Turn large pieces halfway through drying. Move pieces near sides of trays to the center or stir small pieces to ensure even drying. Rotate trays if recommended by dehydrator manufacturer.
- Check for Dryness at the end of the minimum drying time, and then more frequently as drying progresses. Let a sample piece cool to room temperature before testing.
- Package dried foods in glass jars, food storage containers or plastic food storage bags in small amounts. Store containers in a cool, dark, dry area to maintain quality.
Dry time: 10-12 hours
Test for dryness: Brittle
Source:
MU Extension Publication GH1563, Quality for Keeps: How to Dry Foods at Home